With Malaysia returning to some sort of normalcy, Kia’s newest distributor, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd has announced at its latest press conference that it plans to make a comeback with 4 new locally-assembled (CKD) models planned to be launched over the next 3 years.
Besides the all-new Carnival (to be launched as a CBU from Korea, CKD to start in April 2022) which was previewed at Carlist Drive Auto Fair 2021 last weekend, the other three models that are expected to arrive include the all-new Kia Sorento, all-new Kia Sportage, and the all-new Kia Niro.
There's no mention of the Kia Seltos, which was previously also earmarked for local assembly, suggesting that plans have changed.
Dinamikjaya Motors is a subsidiary of Bermaz Auto which also took over Peugeot’s distribution in Malaysia from Naza.
Also read: Berjaya sold stake in Peugeot biz for RM 6.67 mil, BAASB now subsidiary of Bermaz
In the press conference, Dinamikjaya plans to launch not just the regular internal combustion engine (ICE) variants of the Carnival, Sorento, and Sportage but also hybrid (HEV) as well as plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of those models.
Also read: Bermaz Auto plans big for its EV game, multiple model launches planned
The Kia Sorento is expected to be launched in 2022 with both ICE and PHEV/HEV drivetrains while the ICE Kia Sportage could be launched in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Kia Niro is expected to arrive here by 2023 and would be offered with either PHEV/HEV or fully electric (BEV) drivetrains.
2024 could also see the PHEV variants of the Carnival and HEV variant of Sportage making their Malaysian debut, perhaps in locally-assembled (CKD) form.
Also read: All-new 2022 Kia Sportage CKD planned for Malaysia launch next year
Speaking of local assembly, Kia Malaysia aims to produce a cumulative total of 100,000 units at its Kulim (Inokom) plant over the next 5 years, for both domestic sales and export to neighbouring countries within the ASEAN trade bloc.
The Carnival that was previewed last week was fully imported from Korea with CKD production to begin in 2022.
Also read: 2022 Kia Carnival previewed in Malaysia, a worthy challenger against the Alphard?
Can Kia and Dinamikjaya pull this off? It’s an ambitious-sounding target but seeing Bermaz’s track record for Mazda, fans of the Korean brand can hope for the best.
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